The Financial Sector is more and more of late publishing one and another view on the importance of estate and wealth planning. Here is one summary from “Trusts and Estates©”, that looks back on 2024, for the input it provides:

• Interest-rate changes were cited by respondents as the # 1 reason to take another look at what they want most from wealth planning7mdash;including tax mitigation and wealth preservation.
• A decisive majority of respondents also cited concerns over possible changes in federal estate taxes – that could be mitigated by tax-efficient trust structures, such as irrevocable trusts, and the increased use of gifting strategies.
• Respondents also overwhelmingly cited the desire to see their estate plans “work harder” – such to assure that inherited assets are used as intended; that the plan provides for incapacity of a loved one; that it achieves charitable goals; and, finally, in a broader context, that family disputes are avoided through the intervention of a carefully selected Trustee who manages distributions, effects tax-planning strategies, and protects vulnerable beneficiaries – transparently, at all levels.
• As the survey concludes, it promotes the use of Trusts as a best practice to facilitate the equitable succession of a business to the next generation—among family members who are part of the business, as well as those who aren’t.
   

The LeTourneau University Foundation is that distinct entity through which all forms of Estate and Planned Giving designs are arrived at. We also serve as the Administrator of the University’s many Endowed Scholarships. In it all, we operate in an “estate advisory” capacity, in accordance with prevailing Statutes, and our President’s (Texas) DOI License Number 2273313 (NPN 3898722).